Over the past couple of days, I was struck by a story that shed light on the lengths a father will go to when he cannot support his children and family. A 35-year-old father of four from Gela, Sicily, put his organs up for sale to raise money. This was the latest in a series of extreme acts of desperation, where he also attempted suicide because he could not bear to see his children suffer due to his lack of decent income. Until three years ago, he was employed in a warehouse in Novara, in the north of Italy. However, he returned to Sicily with his family after losing his job. He worked as a watchman for a while, yet soon found himself unemployed again.
This worrying story confirms the importance of employment and productivity for one’s self-esteem. A person who wants to work yet cannot find employment feels humiliated and desperate. In many cases, family unity suffers as a consequence.
It reminded me of the responsibility we politicians have to remain sensitive to the financial and social strains on families and continue making the individual, the generation of work and the fair distribution of wealth a priority. Only in this way will we continue to build a healthy society that provides for one and all – November 19.
Branding: Making the consumer confident
A branding campaign promoting local pork was launched this week. Greater knowledge of fresh products is crucial in strengthening local industry. It is the best way to support our farmers, who have made great steps in both production and quality through investment with the help of EU and government funding.
During the launch, I thanked the committee and members of the pig-breeders association (KIM) for this initiative. KIM is also embarking on obtaining its own factory, which will allow for better management and production of large quantities of pork and the placing of new products on the market.
I therefore wished KIM success in this campaign, which I hope to see extended to include not only fresh pork but also processed products, as is being done in other European countries. Consumers would therefore be informed of the percentages of local pork contained in products purchased. In this respect, some of the imported pork available on our markets is injected with water. While this does not pose any risks to the consumer, it certainly is not of the same quality and standard as Maltese pork.
Needless to say, such branding requires adequate auditing. These measures should make Maltese consumers more confident in local products, which must remain synonymous with quality and high standards. The government will continue to assist farmers in increasing awareness on fresh local produce by once again hosting the Festa tal-Majjal through the Naturalment Malti campaign next month – November 17.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest. Speaking after being released two days ago, she stated: “If we want change, we must do it the right way”.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate stated she would work towards democratic reconciliation, going on to say: “I have no grudge against the people who kept me under restriction.
“They were good to me. How wonderful it would be if the people were also treated as nicely as I was.”
Powerful words by the woman who has became a symbol of democracy and passive resistance in a country where it is estimated there are over 2,000 political prisoners. Suu Kyi, an Oxford graduate, is the daughter of one of the heroes of Burmese independence who was killed when she was just two years old. Returning home as leader of the opposition party, the National League for Democracy, she won the general election in 1990, yet was not allowed to form a government.
“The people must have the right to keep the government under control. This is democracy. So I will accept it if the people keep me under control.” She reminded those listening “the basis of democratic freedom is the freedom of expression”.
This may sound like rhetoric in countries where democracy is guaranteed and taken for granted. For Suu Kyi, the coming days will not be easy. This is also due to the fact that, while detained, members of her party fell out and formed another party. Her first task, therefore, will be winning back her ex-colleagues. Yet, how long her freedom will last remains a guess – November 15.
A sharp contrast
After two weeks of debate, the Budget for 2011 was today approved in Parliament. Last Tuesday, we debated the financial estimates for the ministry I am responsible for. It was a useful occasion to give an account of the work that has been accomplished and that which is planned for the coming year.
Unfortunately, the contrast between the government and the opposition emerged once again. A dynamic government implementing ambitious initiatives compared to an opposition that lacks vision. An opposition that fails to put forward concrete proposals for crucial sectors, such as the management of waste, climate change, resources, public projects, agriculture and fisheries.
The only member of the opposition who was constructive was Charles Buhagiar. His interventions are to the point and factual, without being overly emotional. When critical, he remains constructive and balanced. Mr Buhagiar suggested that those who cannot, for technical reasons, build a well should contribute to a fund for the building of water reservoirs. In truth, it is similar to the flood tax proposed in the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Yet, earlier in the same sitting, the opposition whip, Joe Mizzi, criticised the same proposal. Once again, one speaker for the opposition is contradicting another.
With the exception of a few MPs who make a genuine effort, the opposition is made up of soloists singing out of tune and off different hymn sheets. This sits in sharp contrast to the government team – November 11.
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The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.